How do I know if a college is regionally accredited?

I'm focusing on colleges with strong credentials, but I'm confused about regional accreditation. How do I check if a college is regionally accredited, and why does it matter so much?

Accreditation is an important aspect to consider when researching colleges, as it is a measure of the quality and legitimacy of a higher education institution. It also impacts a university's ability to offer federal financial aid.

Regional accreditation is typically the most recognized and respected type of accreditation, indicating a high degree of educational quality. Colleges and universities are usually accredited by an agency in their geographic region. In the United States, there are seven regional accrediting bodies:

1. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

7. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, WASC (ACCJC)

To find out if a college is regionally accredited, you can typically head to the college's official website, and then look under sections labeled "accreditation," "about," or "institutional background." Make sure to look for the specific name of the accrediting organization.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education maintains a comprehensive database of accredited institutions and their accreditors called the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). Here you can search by institution name and see detailed information about their accreditation status.

Why does it matter? Firstly, accreditation helps ensure the quality of your degree. If you earn a degree from a non-accredited institution, employers and other educational institutions may not recognize your degree. Secondly, students at accredited schools can apply for federal student aid, whereas students at non-accredited schools are typically ineligible. Furthermore, credits from regionally accredited schools are more readily transferrable to other institutions. If you intend to transfer or pursue further education, attending a regionally accredited institution is crucial.

So it's definitely worth taking a look and verifying the accreditation status of the colleges you're considering. It's an essential mark of quality and can significantly impact your educational and career opportunities down the line.